The question of if you should have a first look at your wedding is one that many wedding couples to discuss have when planning their wedding. Some know the answer immediately and some need to think about it awhile.

It’s been super common in the past 10 years or so, but in case you missed it (or call it something else) a “first look” is when the bride and groom set up a time before the ceremony to see each other alone. The photographer is often there is capture this priceless moment for the couple.

Reasons to have a first look at your wedding:

After having decided against a first look myself, I do sometimes regret not having those photos of those first (and really only) moments alone together with my husband. I don’t honestly feel that seeing each other before the ceremony would have made the walk down the aisle any less memorable or special. Even if we would have done a first look, we still would have had that “big reveal” moment where I came down the aisle. And there is something so much more intimate about the first look.

Will a First Look at Your Wedding Allow for a Private Moment?

As a photographer, when I capture the first look, I use a large zoom lens. What does this mean for you? I am far enough away that it feels like you are alone, which, let’s be honest, is probably the closest thing that you are going to get to privacy during the wedding day. Honestly, Tyler (my husband) and I  had zero time alone on our wedding day. The first look sets aside that time for a couple to make sure they get time together without distractions. During first looks with my couples, I will usually capture the moment, then step away for a few minutes so the couple is truly alone to enjoy the moment. The moment you first see each other during the ceremony is special in it’s own right, but having those intimate images of just the two of you alone is truly something to treasure.

Having a First Look at Your Wedding: The Impact on Timelines

This leads to an AMAZING impact on your timeline as well. You are able to have your ceremony quite a bit later in the afternoon because you will only need 30 minutes or less of family formal portrait time after the ceremony. This is especially awesome if you are having an outdoor ceremony because the delayed ceremony time will allow you to have the ceremony at a time of day where you will not be in harsh sunlight.

More First Look Timeline Impacts

Having a first look at your wedding completely changes the flow  and timeline of your wedding day. If you choose to see each other first, you can do all your formal photos beforehand. This means no lining up bridesmaids and grandmas for an hour or more after the ceremony- you get to just go enjoy. Some couples still choose to do family formals after, but can do bridal party portraits beforehand since the bride and groom have seen each other anyway. Some couples still wait for all formal photos, but use this as a time to just capture their own photos together.

My Verdict: Have a First Look at your Wedding!

This is your wedding, and if there is a certain way that feels “right,” that is probably what you should go with, but from being in the industry 10+ years, I can honestly say that I have NEVER worked with a couple who regrets having a first look. Most of my couples who have done a first look just seem, in general, far more relaxed and less rushed during their wedding day. They are less nervous before the ceremony  than some of my other couples. There is less rushing after the ceremony (when, let’s face it, you just want to go eat…and maybe have some celebration drinks).

Check out some gorgeous Alisha Marie couples below who opted for a first look!